Roundup: Dems Fret; GOP Prepares; Majestic Mustaches
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The NPR Politics Podcast delves into the current political landscape, analyzing recent polls that reveal President Biden's close race with former President Trump. The podcast explores the implications of these findings, particularly regarding the potential for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the Democratic ticket if Biden were to step aside. The discussion also examines the upcoming Republican National Convention, highlighting the anticipated presence of former President Trump and the potential for JD Vance to be chosen as his running mate. The podcast further explores the significance of conventions in modern politics, emphasizing their legal and advertising functions. Finally, the episode concludes with a segment titled "Can't Let It Go," where the hosts discuss the enduring relevance of the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the ongoing fascination with conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedys. The segment also touches upon the surprising news of the Rolling Stones' ongoing tour and the potential impact of JD Vance's beard on his chances of becoming Trump's running mate.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Shortwave Space Camp podcast, highlighting its focus on exploring the mysteries and quirks of the universe. It also introduces the hosts, Sarah from Kansas City and Ashley from Delaware, who share their connection through the NPR Politics Podcast.
Biden's Re-election Campaign and the Potential for Harris to Take Over
This Chapter delves into the latest NPR PBS news poll, which shows President Biden running even with former President Trump in a head-to-head race. The hosts discuss the pressure on Biden to drop out of the race and his response during a press conference. They also explore the potential for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic ticket if Biden were to step aside, analyzing her current position and the factors that could influence her role in the upcoming election.
The Republican National Convention and the Trump-Vance Ticket
This Chapter focuses on the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where former President Donald Trump is expected to accept the nomination for the third time. The hosts discuss the potential for JD Vance to be chosen as Trump's running mate, analyzing the factors that could influence this decision and the potential implications for the campaign.
Can't Let It Go: 1968, the Rolling Stones, and JD Vance's Beard
This Chapter delves into the enduring relevance of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, highlighting its historical significance and its continued presence in contemporary political discourse. The hosts also discuss the Rolling Stones' ongoing tour and the conspiracy theories surrounding their song "Sympathy for the Devil." The segment concludes with a humorous discussion about the potential impact of JD Vance's beard on his chances of becoming Trump's running mate, exploring the role of appearance in politics and the historical prejudice against beards.
Keywords
NPR Politics Podcast
A weekly podcast produced by National Public Radio (NPR) that covers political news and analysis. The podcast features interviews with experts, reporters, and political figures, providing insights into the latest developments in American politics.
Joe Biden
The 46th and current President of the United States. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has served in the U.S. Senate from Delaware for 36 years. He was elected Vice President under President Barack Obama in 2008 and served two terms.
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States. Trump is a member of the Republican Party and a prominent businessman. He was elected President in 2016 and served one term. Trump is known for his controversial statements and policies, and his presidency was marked by political polarization and social unrest.
Kamala Harris
The 49th and current Vice President of the United States. Harris is a member of the Democratic Party and served as a U.S. Senator from California from 2017 to 2021. She was the first woman and first African American to serve as Vice President.
Republican National Convention
A quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention is typically held in the summer before the presidential election and features speeches, debates, and other events designed to rally support for the party's nominees.
JD Vance
An American author, venture capitalist, and politician. Vance is a member of the Republican Party and currently serves as a U.S. Senator from Ohio. He is known for his book "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," which explores the social and economic challenges faced by working-class white Americans in Appalachia.
1968 Democratic National Convention
A tumultuous event held in Chicago, Illinois, that was marked by widespread protests against the Vietnam War and police brutality. The convention was also notable for the nomination of Hubert Humphrey as the Democratic presidential candidate, despite the party's internal divisions.
Rolling Stones
An English rock band formed in London in 1962. The band is one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, known for their iconic songs, energetic performances, and enduring popularity.
conspiracy theories
Explanations for events that are based on speculation, conjecture, or unsubstantiated evidence. Conspiracy theories often involve secret plots or hidden agendas, and they can be difficult to disprove due to their reliance on circumstantial evidence or lack of transparency.
Q&A
What are the latest poll results regarding President Biden's re-election campaign?
The latest NPR PBS news poll shows President Biden running even with former President Trump in a head-to-head race.
What are the potential implications of the poll results for Vice President Kamala Harris?
The poll results have sparked speculation about the potential for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the Democratic ticket if Biden were to step aside. The hosts discuss the factors that could influence her role in the upcoming election, including her current position and the Democratic Party's perception of her.
What is the significance of the upcoming Republican National Convention?
The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event where the Republican Party formally nominates its presidential and vice presidential candidates. The hosts discuss the anticipated presence of former President Trump and the potential for JD Vance to be chosen as his running mate.
What are the two main functions of political conventions in modern politics?
Political conventions serve two main functions: legal and advertising. Legally, they formally nominate the party's candidates and grant them ballot access. Advertising-wise, they provide valuable airtime for the nominees to promote their campaigns and reach a wider audience.
What is the enduring relevance of the 1968 Democratic National Convention?
The 1968 Democratic National Convention was a tumultuous event marked by protests against the Vietnam War and police brutality. The hosts discuss its historical significance and its continued presence in contemporary political discourse, highlighting the parallels between the events of 1968 and the current political climate.
What is the significance of the Rolling Stones' ongoing tour?
The Rolling Stones' ongoing tour is a testament to their enduring popularity and their ability to remain relevant across generations. The hosts discuss the band's iconic status and the conspiracy theories surrounding their song "Sympathy for the Devil."
What is the potential impact of JD Vance's beard on his chances of becoming Trump's running mate?
The hosts humorously discuss the potential impact of JD Vance's beard on his chances of becoming Trump's running mate, exploring the role of appearance in politics and the historical prejudice against beards.
Show Notes
Plus, Republicans get ready to hold their convention in Milwaukee. We look at what to expect.
And, the facial hair of politicians — and NPR personalities.
This episode: national political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and senior political editor and correspondent Ron Elving.
The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
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